The Best Things To Do in Sheffield
The Best Things To Do in Sheffield
Looking for the top things to do in Sheffield? Known as Steel City, Sheffield reached its claim to fame when the production of stainless-steel cutlery boomed in the 19th Century.
The beautiful post-industrial city is a plethora of independent bars, award-winning restaurants and home to two Universities – making it a bustling city to visit.
The city provides some great family days out with Gardens and Museums, and Sheffield is even known as one of the greenest cities in UK.
So, whether you’re a history buff looking for culture or a foodie searching for the best independent dining destinations, this city might just be for you.
Winter Garden
Officially opened by Queen Elizabeth herself in 2003, the Winter Garden is one of the largest temperate glass-houses to be built in the UK in the last 100 years and therefore the flowery soul of Sheffield has pride of place in the heart of the city.
Situated next to the Peace Gardens and the Millennium Galleries, the Winter Garden was erected with larch wood, derived from sustainable forests which generate echo-friendly upkeep of the plants to encapsulate Sheffield’s greener side.
The Winter Garden provides a home for around 2,500 plants from all over the world and has an abundance of awards in commemoration.
Where? 90 Surrey St, Sheffield S1 2LH
Go for a bite to eat at Cutlery Works
Inspired by the markets of South East Asia, Cutlery Works is the largest independent food hall in the North of England.
Located in Sheffield’s popular Kelham Island, the impressive 14,000sft space is split over two floors and is home to some of the city’s best independent food and drink businesses.
From freshly made pizzas and sushi to delicious Indian dishes created using family recipes past down through generations, there’s something for everyone.
Where? 73 – 101 Neepsend Ln, Sheffield S3 8AT
Explore The Peak District National Park
Designated as one of the UK’s 15 national parks, The Peak District offers many fantastic opportunities such as walking, cycling and wildlife watching for both intense and leisurely activity days out.
Located just outside of Sheffield, The Peak District has an extensive network of public footpaths and nature trails that cover around 1,800 miles of the rolling countryside hills.
One of the very best things to do in Sheffield.
Where? Peak District National Park, Baslow Rd, Bakewell DE45 1AE
Visit Ecclesall Road
The ideal spot for foodies with a passion for both well-known and independent restaurants, such as the highly appraised Indian Ashoka to Nonnas Italian, which is highly regarded for its authentic vision.
Further along Ecclesall Road, you will find Endcliffe Park, a large family park that runs along the Porter Brook river.
You can walk out to the Peak District from here by following an interesting route along the Porter Brook Valley, seeing sights such as The Forge Dam and Shepherd Wheel.
Take a stroll through Sheffield Botanical Gardens
First opened in 1836, Sheffield Botanical Gardens is situated close to the city centre. Occupying 19 acres of land, there are 18 beautiful garden areas which are all based on geographical and botanical themes to bring a widespread national feel to the steel city.
The star of the show is most definitely a well-preserved fossil of a tree-like Lepidodendron, which is said to be 312 million years old and you will find it displayed in the evolution garden. There is plenty to see, no matter what time of year it is.
Where? Clarkehouse Rd, Sheffield S10 2LN
Visit Kelham Island – voted the UK’s best neighbourhood
Kelham Island is one of Sheffield’s oldest manufacturing sites and one of the city’s best hang-out spots.
A hotspots for students and young professionals, so much so, it was voted the UK’s best neighbourhood. Kelham Island is also home to the huge monthly feast that is Peddler Night Market, a great street food event each month, plus the award-winning restaurants Jöro and The Milestone.
Pop by to Bakers Yard, one of our favourite spots for coffee, cake and brunching!
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Go for cocktails at Public – one of the ‘Best Bars in the UK’
Named as the Best Bar in the UK, Public is a speakeasy-style bar located underneath Sheffield town hall. Oddly enough, it got its name from being a former public toilet, but today it is an atmospheric vision of pastel pink and deep green, almost as if you have stepped right into a Wes Anderson film set.
With an award-winning cocktail, Public is a very intimate hub, so get there early to avoid disappointment.
Where? 23-55 Surrey St, Sheffield S1 2LG
Millennium Gallery
The Millennium Gallery is the destination for design, art, and innovation when you are in Sheffield. Here you can see behind the magic of the Steel City’s stretching span of heritage and history.
You don’t need to travel far if you’re hungry, their in house all-day dining destination Ambulo offers speciality coffee, freshly pressed juices, smoothies, and a diverse food menu to suit everybody so that’s lunch sorted too.
Where? 48 Arundel Gate, Sheffield S1 2PP
Watch award-winning theatre at The Crucible
A must for theatre lovers looking for things to do in Sheffield. Opening in 1971, you may recognise The Crucible as being famous for hosting the most prestigious event in professional snooker, the World Snooker Championships.
The Crucible showcases a great range of theatre, from musicals to comedies and classic theatre productions.
Where? 55 Norfolk St, Sheffield S1 1DA
Learn from the best at The School of Artisan Food
The School of Artisan Food prides itself on schooling individuals about food rich in sustainability, taste, and nutrition.
Although every day is a school day, Artisan Food promises it to be informal, friendly and informative, with various cooking courses on offer.
From bakery, bread, smoking, and even cheese-making, all taught by world-class and award-winning tutors.
The School strives to change lives for the better through their teachings, encouraging confidence, raising aspirations and improving attitudes for delicious, sustainable food.
Where? Lower Motor Yard, Welbeck S80 3LR
Visit Sharrow Vale Road
Sharrow Vale Road is a foodie must when looking for things to do in Sheffield. Just behind Ecclesall Road, this striving street host’s a true sense of community.
From their very own Sharrow Vale Market which showcases independent talents through local stalls, to artisan bakeries such as Eve’s Kitchen, a minimalistic coffee shop with a menu that is far from basic.
Some of our other favourite spots on this road are Porter Pizza Company and Pom’s Kitchen.
Hungry for more? Luckily for you we’ve compiled a list of the very best bars in Sheffield and restaurants in Sheffield – so you can feast your way through the Steel City.
Middletons York Afternoon Tea
Cromwell Rd, York YO1 6DS- Historic 4-star hotel
- A stone’s throw from York city centre
- SAVE up to 16% off
Tharavadu Leeds Restaurant Voucher
7-8 Mill Hill, Leeds LS1 5DQ- Taste the flavours of traditional Keralan food
- Michelin recommended
- SAVE 20% off
Silversmiths Two Course Sunday Lunch
111 Arundel St, Sheffield S1 2NT- Renowned as one of Sheffield’s best restaurants
- Utilising local suppliers to capture a true taste of Yorkshire
- SAVE up to 29% off
Grappa Sheffield Bottomless Brunch
266 Glossop Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2HS- Stylish Italian Restaurant and Bar
- 2 hours of bottomless drinks with pizza or pasta
- SAVE 15% off
Written by
03/11/2025